Rado - 990 De Luxe - No reserve price - 11861 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado 990 De Luxe captures the quintessential charm and daring design language of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. Known for pushing aesthetic boundaries, Rado frequently experimented with unique dial layouts and case geometries during this era. This particular model stands out immediately with its brilliant vertically brushed dial and an unusual, highly attractive vertical day-date aperture positioned at six o'clock. Combined with the brand's signature rotating anchor logo, this timepiece offers a distinct visual presence that remains incredibly appealing to modern vintage collectors seeking character and mechanical reliability. Brand: Rado Model: 990 De Luxe Reference Number: 11861 Movement: Rado 25 Jewels Swiss Automatic Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied gold-tone indices and vertical day-date, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-Plated with Stainless Steel Caseback Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with an exceptionally preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial is the undeniable star of this timepiece, featuring a stunning silver surface with a pronounced vertical brushed texture that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied gold-tone faceted indices, each detailed with a central black channel for increased legibility and striking contrast. The dial furniture includes an applied Rado logo and the "990 De Luxe" typography, alongside the iconic rotating Rado anchor logo set against a red background at the twelve o'clock position. At six o'clock, a distinct vertical day-date window is framed by a stepped gold-tone border, offering a perfectly symmetrical layout. The original gold-tone baton hands feature matching black central stripes. The dial is exceptionally preserved, appearing remarkably clean with no visible moisture damage, spotting, or significant discoloration. The printing remains crisp, and the dial retains a near-flawless visual presentation. Case and Crystal The watch is housed in a 34mm gold-plated cushion-shaped case that perfectly represents the design ethos of its era. The upper surface of the case features a heavy brushed finish that contrasts with the polished case flanks. The case exhibits clear, honest signs of vintage wear, including surface scratches, micro-dings, and edge softening consistent with regular use over the decades. Plating wear is visible along the sharper edges, lug tips, and corners, revealing the base metal beneath in a manner typical of vintage gold-plated watches. The watch retains its original Rado-signed crown. The domed acrylic crystal shows light surface scuffs and handling marks but remains free of deep cracks, offering a clear view of the pristine dial beneath. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is nicely preserved, clearly displaying the engraved Rado seahorse logo, "Water Sealed" text, and the 11861 reference number. Movement Powering this 990 De Luxe is a Swiss-made Rado-signed automatic movement featuring 25 jewels. The gold-finished caliber presents cleanly in the provided images, with bright plates and a signed rotor showcasing the Rado logo. The movement components appear well-preserved and free of visible corrosion. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of -3 to -7 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct brown leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching and a gold-tone pin buckle. The strap complements the gold tones of the case and dial perfectly, showing light wear but remaining supple and ready for daily wear. Condition This Rado is in good vintage condition overall. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as a near-mint component with no notable flaws. The case displays expected moderate wear, including surface scratches and localized plating loss on the extremities, which is entirely consistent with an unrestored, honestly worn vintage timepiece. The movement is remarkably clean and running with impressive precision. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado 990 De Luxe is a fantastic example of the brand's mid-century creativity. The combination of the vertical day-date display, the crisp brushed dial, and the signature rotating anchor makes it a highly collectible piece. It offers a sophisticated yet slightly eccentric aesthetic that wears beautifully on the wrist, providing a lot of horological character in a classic vintage proportion. History Rado has long been celebrated as a pioneer of unconventional watch design and material innovation. Emerging as a powerhouse in the 1960s and 1970s, the brand carved out a unique niche by blending robust Swiss mechanical movements with bold, futuristic aesthetics. The introduction of the rotating anchor logo became a symbol of the brand's automatic winding technology and a beloved quirk among enthusiasts. The 990 De Luxe line represents a period when Rado was confidently exploring new dial symmetries and case shapes, resulting in timepieces that remain instantly recognizable and highly respected in the vintage collecting community today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-DXX-0001